SHAWNEE, Oklahoma – The Ouachita women's soccer team used a three-goal second half to pull away from Oklahoma Baptist for a 4-1 Great American Conference victory Monday afternoon.
Four different Tigers found the back of the net as Ouachita overcame an early deficit to improve to 7-6-5 overall and 7-2-3 in GAC play. Oklahoma Baptist fell to 3-13-1 overall and 2-9-1 in conference action.
The Bison struck first just over four minutes into the contest at the 4:28 mark, giving Oklahoma Baptist an early 1-0 advantage.
Despite falling behind, Ouachita controlled much of the opening half, generating several scoring opportunities. The Tigers broke through in the 23rd minute when
Patience English netted her third goal of the season off an assist from
Lennon Porter to even the match at 1-1.
Ouachita continued to apply offensive pressure throughout the remainder of the first half, outshooting Oklahoma Baptist 15-8. However, neither team could find another goal before halftime, sending the teams into the break tied at one.
The Tigers wasted little time taking control after the intermission.
In the 54th minute,
Tati Diaz delivered the go-ahead goal at the 54:26 mark. Her shot deflected off the crossbar and off the Oklahoma Baptist goalkeeper before finding the back of the net, giving Ouachita a 2-1 lead. The goal marked Diaz's first of the season.
Just over two minutes later, Ouachita extended its advantage when
Brookelyn Babb scored her second goal of the year at the 56:50 mark.
Isabella Savattere provided the assist, as the Tigers quickly turned a halftime tie into a 3-1 lead.
The Tigers added one final goal in the closing minutes when
Lily Ahlers found the back of the net at the 87:50 mark. The unassisted strike was Ahlers' second goal of the season and secured the 4-1 victory.
Ouachita finished the afternoon with a commanding 25-14 advantage in total shots, including a 9-7 edge in shots on goal. The Tigers also controlled 59 percent of the possession.
Savattere led the Ouachita offensive attack with four shots, including two on goal, while English, Ahlers,
McKenna Wright,
Kaylee McKinley,
Maddy Benker and
Bailey Masche each recorded two shot attempts.
Defensively, goalkeeper
Toni Williams played all 90 minutes for the Tigers, recording six saves while allowing just one goal to earn the victory. Williams made four saves in the opening half and added two more after halftime to keep the Bison off the scoreboard over the final 85 minutes.
With the win, Ouachita is the No. 2 seed in the GAC Conference Tournament. The Tigers will face No. 3-seed Southwestern Oklahoma on Friday, November 6.
